Lawn Care vs Lawn Moss Part 2
*The above Lawn Care Products are available in the Lawnsmith Shop and discussed below:
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Trees and Leaves
Problem: The tree competes with your lawn for water and light in the summer and then covers it with leaves in the autumn. Leaves on the lawn for anything more than a few days will weaken and even kill the grass at a time when the moss is most virulent.
Solution: There is no easy solution, just clear the leaves at least once a week. If it’s dry use the mower to suck up the leaves. Other alternatives are a blower or rake. Leaves will always be easier to clear if you have kept your grass at the right height. There is nothing harder than raking wet leaves in long wet grass.
Lawn Fertiliser
Problem: If the grass is struggling because of a poorly fed soil then it cannot fight off a moss attack. Moss will grow quite happily on your driveway as it is used to low nutrient levels; therefore a hungry lawn becomes quite inviting.
Solution: Give your lawn at least one good feed a year in the spring. If you have a moss problem consider an autumn fertiliser* or a winter fertiliser* with iron as well to keep nutrient levels at their optimum.
Grass Damage
Problem: Many lawns are play areas and also access areas for greenhouses, gardens and clothes lines. Excessive wear and tear or use when the lawn is weak can damage or even kill the grass.
Solution: Where possible rotate areas of use (just like the cricket wicket is rotated) so a worn area is not damaged to the point of no return. If this is not practical be prepared to re-seed the area before the moss and weeds take over. Some areas may become compacted due to excessive or long term use. See Lawn Repair & Renovation.
Excess Thatch
Problem: The build up of thatch above ½” deep will start to reduce fertiliser and water penetration to the grass roots. This makes life difficult for the grass whilst providing good conditions for the moss.
Solution: A thatch layer up to ¼” is fine and actually beneficial but as in most things, you can have too much of a good thing! If too much lawn thatch is present it’s going to need removing by scarifying or raking the lawn. For small to medium sized lawns or for just localised raking the rolling lawn raker scarifier* is an excellent tool that requires little effort. This will also remove the majority of your existing moss as well so it’s two birds with one stone! See Lawn Scarifying & Raking.
